Justin Kurzel is the director of Australian film Snowtown, a crime-drama about serial killer John Bunting who murdered 11 people in South Australia during the ’90s. Justin is a guest of the 2011 New Zealand International Film Festival and will be present at the screenings, along with actor Daniel Henshall. We asked Justin a few grueling questions…
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FLICKS: Hello from Flicks! How are you and what have you been up to today?
KURZEL: Pretty stressed actually, I’m just finishing a job with Revolver Films in Sydney and have to catch a plane in one hour, which I’m sure I will be late for, to come to the festival. I have not seen the film for a while so I am going to be really curious to see how it plays and what I think of it with fresh eyes.
FLICKS: Describe your most memorable cinema experience?
I remember seeing Irreversible in London for the first time and it was the most intense visceral experience I have ever had, kind of like watching a car crash. When I watched Pharlap as a kid, I was gutted when that horse died, it took me weeks to get over that.
FLICKS: What is your favourite film scene?
The ending to Claire Denis’ film Beau Travail where the soldier kills himself and then we cut to this underground disco and we see him dance. It was just one of those scenes which took my breath away in how beautiful it was to see this man full of fear and restraint suddenly break into some of the most insane dance moves. I’m sure I didn’t get into AFTRS because I mentioned this was my all time favourite scene in a film instead of something like The Godfather. I still think it is one of the bravest moments I have seen in any film.
FLICKS: What is the last great film you saw?
This Must Be the Place by Paolo Sorrentino, which I saw this year at Cannes. It was brilliant in every aspect and again a film which unrivalled bravery. I was amazed when I went outside and people were saying it was indulgent and boring. It is just brilliant and a knockout performance by Sean Penn.
FLICKS: What are your two picks for the 2011 New Zealand International Film Festival?
Maybe I am being bias but Submarine and Tyrannosaur are gems and they are both extremely unique in voice and vision. [Ed’s note: Both are screening at the Film Festival]
NZIFF 2011: TRAILER SPECIAL | FULL LINE-UP | OFFICIAL SITE
